Utah Mighty 5
& Beyond
Explore the stunning landscapes of Utah with a 9-day itinerary that covers all five national parks—Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion—along with the rugged beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
TRIP DATES:
Trip Length
9 Days
$3395 Per Person
Embark on a breathtaking 9-day adventure through Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks, starting with the awe-inspiring red rock formations of Arches and the vast canyons of Canyonlands. Journey through Capitol Reef’s striking desert landscapes and marvel at the unique hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. Experience the grandeur of Zion’s towering cliffs and scenic trails. Along the way, explore the rugged terrain and hidden gems of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where slot canyons and waterfalls await. This itinerary promises a diverse array of natural wonders, each park offering its own unique beauty and outdoor adventures.
Activities
- Hiking & Interpretive Tours
- Camping
- Zion Narrows
Included
- Medically-trained, naturalist guides
- Camping & cabin accommodations as outlined below
- Round-trip transportation from Salt Lake City
- Narrows gear
- All activities as outlined
- All meals as outlined below
- Park entry fees
Not Included
- Flights to and from the pickup destination
- Gratuity for your guide
- Personal camping gear (see pack list)
- Sleeping bag (available to rent for $50)
Weather
In Utah, May typically brings mild and pleasant weather with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s°F, while September and early October offer cooler, comfortable temperatures between the 50s and 70s°F with generally clear skies and minimal rainfall.
Intensity – Moderate
Prepare to engage in 6-8 hours of hiking each day, navigating varied terrain and moderate elevation changes in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Zion and Bryce Canyon, all while carrying day packs. This adventure is well-suited for moderately experienced individuals in good physical condition.
Accommodations
- Two Nights Tent Camping at Dead Horse Point State Park (double occupancy)
- Two Nights at a Five Bedroom Cabin near Capitol Reef National Park (double/ triple occupancy)
- Two Nights Camping near Escalante (double occupancy)
- Two Nights in a Cabin at Wildflower Zion Resort (double occupancy)
Flights
Your guide will meet you at Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah at 11:00 am on Day 1, so please book a flight that arrives by 10:30 am. Alternatively, you can be collected at your accommodation in Salt Lake City at 10:00am if you are already in town.
Your trip ends back at Salt Lake City International Airport at around 2:30 pm on Day 9. Please book a flight that leaves after 4:00PM to ensure you have enough time to check-in. Alternatively you can be dropped at your accommodations in Salt Lake City if you are staying on.
Trek across rugged trails, feeling the strength of solidarity with fellow adventurers as you navigate the trails with your pack. Experience the bond of hiking together, finding empowerment amidst nature’s challenges.
Day One
Plan to arrive at the Salt Lake City Airport by early morning. Upon arrival you’ll meet your guides and fellow travelers, enjoy some time over lunch at a local restaurant to get to know one another. With full bellies you’ll be transferred 4 hours south to the quaint town of Moab. Upon arrival, take some time to settle into your camping before a welcome dinner. Take the night to rest up for the adventurous days ahead!
Meals: L, D
Day Two
Arches National Park, the highest density of Arches in the world- with over 2,000! Today you’ll spend the day on the trails of Arches taking a guided tour and hike. Immerse yourself in towers, buttes, arches and more as you take in the red rock county. Whether you’re looking for a strenuous hike or a leisurely walk your guides will customize the day to get everyone’s needs met! Enjoy a picnic lunch midday inside Arches National Park!
Meals: B, L, D
Day Three
Canyonlands National Park comprises 4 different districts over 300,000 acres. Today you’ll explore a second District- The Island in the Sky! You and your group will spend the full day on the trails leisurely exploring arches, buttes, mesas and more! You’ll be rewarded with never ending views overlooking the Colorado River! In the early afternoon, you’ll be transferred to your next destination: Capitol Reef. Settle into your cabin, just outside of the National Park.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Four
Today you’ll take the day to adventure though Capitol Reef National Park, one of Utah’s most underrated parks! This park is over 200,000 acres and is home to the ancient Fremont People! On this day’s hike you may find yourself near arches, in canyons, up washes. There will be plenty of time to learn about the important people in this park and enjoy homemade pie at the historic Gifford House!
Meals: B, L, D
Day Five
Spend the morning at leisure enjoying breakfast before embarking on your next adventure, a drive through Hell’s Backbone and the beautiful Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Today you can expect to spend the day taking on a longer hike to enjoy a breathtaking view at a waterfall. This undulating hike will have you feeling rewarded as you return back to the van and settle into another two nights of camping at an upscale resort, just in time for s’mores!
Meals: B, L, D
Day Six
Bryce Canyon may be Utah’s smallest national park, but it is mighty in views! After enjoy breakfast at camp, today you’ll hike amongst the Hoodoos (fascinating rock formations)! Take the day in your fourth Utah National Park as you take in scenic views, smell the Ponderosa tress, and keep your eyes peeled for Elk, Mule Deer, Utah Prairie Dogs and more! Enjoy a final night at your upscale glamping near the fire. You’ll want to be sure to take a look up at the stars– you might even see the milky way!!
Meals: B, L, D
Day Seven
Today you’ll enjoy a leisurely morning before continuing on the adventure. Today you’ll be transferred 3 hours to your final destination: Zion National Park. Upon arrival, expect to take on a short hike to stretch your legs. Get settled into your final stay some upscale cabins for another night beneath the stars!
Meals: B, L, D
Day Eight
Alarm clocks will be ringing early this morning as you wake up before the sun to head straight out into Zion- originally named- Mukuntuweap, paiute, for straight canyon. You’ll gain a full understanding of this as you begin the Narrows Bottom Up Hike, walking through the Virgin River. Your hikes are set against a constant backdrop of bright red rock, and lush green plant life against the deep blue sky – an iconic southwestern sight. Enjoy a dinner in town as you reminisce over the last week!
Meals: B, L, D
*Narrows Hike is tentatively scheduled per weather. If the hike is closed, an alternative route will be selected.
Day Nine
Take the morning to enjoy a final breakfast together before packing up. You’ll enjoy a final 4.5 hour transfer together before it’s time to say your goodbyes. You’ll arrive at the airport with new found friends and many memories.
Meals: B
*Itinerary is subject to change due to park conditions, trail and road closures, safety concerns, and timing adjustments. Your guide will always work with you to provide the best experience and keep you informed of any changes in plans.
Packing LIst
Required Gear
- Hiking pack (20-30 liters recommended)
Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person) - Sleeping bag (also available to rent)
- Pack cover
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity)
- Wag Bags
- Lip balm with SPF
Recommended Gear & Personal Items
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
- Travel pillow
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
- Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Small, quick dry towel
- Journal + pen
- Trekking poles
Required Clothing
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes
Trip FAQ’s
What will we eat?
Meals may be prepared by guides, picked up as boxed lunches, or enjoyed in restaurants. We prioritize seasonal, fresh ingredients and local suppliers in all regions. We can cater to most dietary requests and allergies with advanced notice. Be sure to include this information in our client intake form when registering for your trip!
Can we adjust the start time or trip length?
Start times are totally customizable to your group’s needs! Trips can easily be shortened to accommodate your needs. If you’d like to lengthen your trip, email hello@goodtripadventures.com as additional rates may apply.
Do I need to tip my guide?
Tipping is a common way to say thanks to your guides for all their hard work. While it’s never expected, it’s always appreciated! A good rule of thumb is to tip 10-20% of the total trip cost, split among the guides. Alternatively, many guests choose to tip $25-$50 per day, per guide. You can either autopay gratuity when checking out, or you can pay the guide in person. Ultimately, the amount is up to you and should reflect the level of service you feel you received. Whatever you choose, the guides will appreciate it!
Do you offer payment plans?
We are here to help! We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your needs. Reach out to us for more information on how we can assist you with payment options. Regardless of the payment plan implemented, full payment must be received by 30 days in advance of the trip start.
Are there age requirements?
They say age is just a number and we (mostly) agree! However, due to legal restrictions and group dynamic considerations, we do have a minimum age of 18 on our public group departures. But there’s no maximum!
If you have someone under 18 in your group, we can accommodate all ages on a private adventure, so let’s talk!